Resources and hotlines

The Toolbox

Tools to enhance the work—and the life you're building.

Work in the trades is demanding—physically, mentally, financially. This page connects you with resources that can help, whether you're looking to grow your career, get support, or just need to know where to turn when things get hard.

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Trade Associations & Apprenticeships
Training, certifications, and getting started.

federal
OSHA Training Resources
Federal safety training requirements and resources for all trades.
apprenticeships
Apprenticeship.gov
National database of apprenticeship programs searchable by trade and location.
union
NABTU
Coalition of 14 national construction unions — apprenticeships, training, job connections.
Apprenticeships
Associated Builders & Contractors
Trade association with apprenticeship programs and career resources.
career dev
SkillsUSA
Career development for trade students and young professionals.

Career Development
Scholarships, exploration, and growth.

scholarships
mikeroweWORKS Foundation
Scholarships and resources promoting skilled trades careers.
exploration
My Next Move
Career exploration tool with trade and apprenticeship information.

Veterans
Transitioning from service to skilled trades.

scholarships
mikeroweWORKS Foundation
Scholarships and resources promoting skilled trades careers.
exploration
My Next Move
Career exploration tool with trade and apprenticeship information.
specialty
Painters & Allied Trades Veterans Program
Career pathways for veterans in painting and finishing trades.

Young workers in pre-apprenticeship.
Free training and entry points for ages 16 to 24.

free training
Job Corps
Free education and vocational training for young adults 16–24.
free training
YouthBuild
Construction training and education for opportunity youth.
national
Apprenticeship.gov
Find registered apprenticeship programs in your area.
model program
Constructing Hope
Pre-apprenticeship construction training (Oregon-based, model program).
regional
Local Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Check your state labor department for regional programs.

Women in Trades
Networking, Mentorship, and Career Support

free training
NAWIC
National Association of Women in Construction — networking, mentorship, leadership development.
california+
Tradeswomen, Inc.
Apprenticeship support and
union
Sisters in the Brotherhood (UBC)
Women’s committee within the Carpenters Union — mentorship and advocacy.
washington state
ANEW
Pre-apprenticeship training and placement for women in Washington State.
regional
Local Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Check your state labor department for regional programs.

LGBTQ+ in Trades
Community, Visibility, and Advocacy.

networking
Build Out Alliance
Networking and career support for LGBTQ+ professionals in construction and design.
community
Reckoning Trade Project
Community and visibility for LGBTQ+ tradespeople.
union
Pride at Work
AFL-CIO constituency group advocating for LGBTQ+ union members.
washington state
ANEW
Pre-apprenticeship training and placement for women in Washington State.
regional
Local Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Check your state labor department for regional programs.

Addiction and recovery support.
Help is out there. Asking doesn't make you weak.

Substance use hits this industry hard. Painkillers for injuries, alcohol to unwind, stimulants to keep up with the pace. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is out there.
24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referrals.
1-800-662-4357
self-directed
SMART Recovery
Self-directed recovery program (alternative to 12-step).
smartrecovery.org
union
Laborers’ International Union HELP Program
Union-based substance abuse assistance.
liuna.org
regional
State-Based Programs
Many states have trade-specific recovery resources. Check your state labor department.

Mental health and suicide prevention.
These resources exist because this matters. And so does your mental health.

Substance use hits this industry hard. Painkillers for injuries, alcohol to unwind, stimulants to keep up with the pace. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is out there.
industry-specific
CISAP
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention — toolbox talks, training, resources.
cisap.org
for men
Man Therapy
Mental health resources designed for men — no-BS approach.
mantherapy.org
construction
Construction Working Minds
Suicide prevention program built specifically for construction.
constructionworkingminds.org
24/7
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Immediate support, anytime.
Call or text 988

Financial Resources
Emergency assistance and long-term stability

Money stress doesn't stay at home — it follows you to the job site. These resources help with everything from emergency assistance to building long-term stability.
local help
211.org
Connects you to local financial assistance, housing, and utilities.
federal
Benefits.gov
Find federal and state benefits you may qualify for.
counseling
NFCC
National Foundation for Credit Counseling — free or low-cost financial counseling.
union
Union Member Assistance
Many unions offer financial counseling and emergency funds — check with your local.

When You Need Help Now

suicidal thoughts
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
substance abuse crisis
SAMHSA Helpline
1-800-662-4357
domestic violence
National DV Hotline
1-800-799-7233
veterans in crisis
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988, press 1
211
211
Call 211 or 211.org
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Quick Industry Stats

~60%
Construction turnover rate
30-40%
Fewer incidents with wellness programs
25-50%
Better retention with worker support

How to Support Your Crew

  • Talk about mental health like you talk about PPE
    Normalize it. Include it in toolbox talks. Make it part of your safety culture, not a separate “wellness initiative.”

  • Know the resources — and share them
    Print out the crisis numbers. Post them in break rooms. Make sure your foremen know what to do if someone’s struggling.

  • Train your supervisors
    Frontline leaders set the tone. Give them the tools to recognize warning signs and learn how to respond.

  • Look at your benefits. Does your health plan cover mental health?
     Substance abuse treatment? EAPs are often underutilized — make sure your crew knows they exist.

  • Create pathways, not just positions
    Workers stay when they see a future. Cross-training, leadership development, and clear advancement paths make people want to stick around.

Training That Actually Works

Most safety training checks a box. Workers sit through it, get their card, and forget it by lunch. Here's what real training looks like:

  • For the Real World
    Meets workers where they are — on their phones, in short sessions, in language that makes sense.

  • Skills, Not Checkboxes
    Goes beyond compliance to build real, usable skills on the job.

  • Holistic Approach
    Treats workers like people with lives outside the job site.

  • Beyond the Hardhat
    Includes financial literacy, leadership development, and personal growth — not just hazard recognition.

Don't Guess. Get the Playbook!

"The Whole Worker Playbook: An Implementation Guide for Construction Leaders"

free resource

We're developing a practical guide for employers who want to move beyond compliance-only training. Want to be notified when it's ready?

Drop your email below and tell us what challenges you're facing with retention and engagement.

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